SHELBYVILLE, Mo. - North Shelby entered Friday night ranked second in the Missouri 8-Man Media Poll, and the Raiders quickly demonstrated the depth and versatility behind that ranking.
Eight different North Shelby players reached the end zone as the Raiders built a 38-point lead in the first quarter and rolled to a 78-22 victory over Braymer. North Shelby improved to 2-0 after receiving contributions throughout its lineup, including a breakout second half from freshman Griffin Gaines.
Braymer moved the chains on each of its first two plays, but the promising opening possession changed when Gage Daniel intercepted Keaton Haley and returned the ball into Bobcat territory. Two plays later, Gannon Bowen broke a pair of tackles on a four-yard touchdown run before Drake Prange added the two-point conversion.
Bowen struck again on North Shelby’s second possession, following blocks from Lane Pollard and Colton Gander for a 24-yard touchdown run. Gander then caught the conversion pass to extend the advantage to 16-0.
North Shelby’s quick-strike rushing attack continued to create separation. Pollard broke free for a 50-yard touchdown on the first play of the Raiders’ third possession, while Prange later followed a 16-yard Pollard run with a one-yard plunge into the end zone. Pollard carried in the conversion to make it 30-0.
The Raiders found one more touchdown before the end of the opening quarter. Jake Geisendorfer finished a short drive with a three-yard scoring run, and North Shelby carried a 38-0 lead into the second period.
The defense supplied the next score just 19 seconds into the second quarter. Pressure forced Haley to release the ball early, and Hyatt Copenhaver stepped in front of the pass before racing 55 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
Copenhaver’s interception was North Shelby’s second of the night after Daniel ended Braymer’s opening possession. Oz Bacon later added the Raiders’ third and final interception when pressure from David Miller affected Haley’s throw and sent the ball directly into Bacon’s hands.
North Shelby continued spreading the ball around offensively before halftime. Gavric Bowen connected with Oz Bacon for a 31-yard touchdown pass, and Jagger Gaines found the end zone on a 20-yard run before Griffin Gaines carried in the conversion.
Those scores gave the Raiders a 58-0 advantage, but Braymer continued competing despite dressing only 11 players on a night when the temperature stood at 92 degrees at kickoff.
Kade Kleeman gave the Bobcats favorable field position with a long kickoff return late in the half. Haley then completed a 26-yard pass to Hudson Anderson before finding Charlie Anderson for a 10-yard touchdown with 31 seconds remaining. The score was the first allowed by North Shelby this season after the Raiders opened the year with a shutout of Bishop LeBlond.
With a continuous clock in effect after halftime, North Shelby turned the offense over to several of its younger players. Griffin Gaines took advantage of the extended opportunity, carrying 13 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns.
Braymer opened the second-half scoring when Haley delivered a short pass to Charlie Anderson, who slipped through the defense and changed directions several times during a 70-yard catch-and-run. Anderson caught the ensuing conversion to account for all 14 of the Bobcats’ points at that stage.
Griffin Gaines answered with a five-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, sending North Shelby into the final period with a 64-14 lead.
Haley and the Bobcats struck once more early in the fourth. Hudson Anderson climbed over a defender to secure a 16-yard touchdown reception, and Charlie Anderson added another two-point catch.
North Shelby responded by putting the ball back into the hands of Griffin Gaines. The freshman scored on a 16-yard run with 8:23 remaining, then broke loose for another 16-yard touchdown four minutes later to complete his three-score second half and establish the final margin.
The Raiders had an opportunity to add another touchdown in the closing minute but instead took a knee inside the Braymer 10-yard line.
Gannon Bowen completed five of six passes for 92 yards in addition to rushing for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Pollard needed only three carries to accumulate 86 yards and a score, while Jagger Gaines finished with 52 yards and a touchdown on four attempts. Geisendorfer added 47 yards and a score on eight carries.
North Shelby finished with 413 rushing yards despite spreading the workload among several players. Daniel caught two passes for 34 yards, while Ty Bacon recorded two receptions for 30 yards. Oz Bacon added a 31-yard touchdown reception, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Haley completed 19 of 42 passes for 237 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions for Braymer. Charlie Anderson served as his primary target, catching 12 passes for 144 yards and two scores, while Hudson Anderson finished with four receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Kleeman added three catches for 27 yards.
North Shelby will remain at home to face St. Paul Lutheran of Concordia next Friday. Braymer, now 0-2, will return home to play Wellington-Napoleon.
Photo courtesy for this story provided by Jamee Beach
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics given should be deemed as unofficial.)
